BOSTON, Massachusetts, DEC. 13, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Here is a statement issued today by Auxiliary Bishop Richard Lennon, the new apostolic administrator of the Boston Archdiocese. It was posted at the archdiocesan Web site, www.rcab.org.
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Upon the acceptance of the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law as Archbishop of Boston, His Holiness, John Paul II, has appointed me Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Boston effective today, December 13, 2002. I will resign my posts as Rector of St. John’s Seminary and Regional Bishop West Region of the Archdiocese in order to devote myself to the administrative and spiritual leadership of the Archdiocese of Boston. I will hold the position of Apostolic Administrator until the appointment of a new Archbishop of Boston by His Holiness at a future date.
In all humility, I accept the position of Apostolic Administrator in service to the Church and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Boston. I pledge to do all that I can with the help of the bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity of the Archdiocese, to work towards healing as a Church and furthering the mission of Jesus Christ within our community. I am thankful for the good works that His Eminence Cardinal Law accomplished in his service to us as Archbishop and for the friendship that I have enjoyed with him. I ask for prayers for him as he continues his life in service to the Church. Please pray for me as I pray for all of you, most especially for all victims and families who have been hurt by the sin of sexual abuse of children by clergy, that together we may grow in our love for God and the Church. In the words of St. John the Evangelist, May we love one another.
